Bosch or Dewalt impact driver?

[imom]

Hi,
So I bought the amazon sale and got this kit Bosch CLPK27-120 for $109... it has the PS41 and PS21 drivers. I'm wondering if I should have gotten a dewalt combo instead that has the impact driver and drill DEWALT DCK211S2 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver / Impact Driver Combo Kit.

I have a makita cordless drill from over 10 years ago...think it's a 9Vish nicad type. So I'm wondering...do I need a drill... I just don't have any experience or hex drill bits to test whether the Bosch PS41 will drill well and accurate... read some reviews of the PS21 where the hex holder is a bit loose.... which makes me think if I need a dedicated drill or not. I searched on the net and haven't seen any 12V LION impact driver shootout between makita, Milwaukee, bosch, and dewalt. I also like to get an cordless impact wrench to remove tires, but I imagine that i will have to buy a higher voltage LION impact wrench 1/2" gun to remove wheels.


So should I keep the bosch or go with dewalt... don't have experience with either of them. Thanks for any feedback... and for those that wonder I did read threads on here and looked at youtube for reviews...but not really good reviews.

 

[jim2664258]

Don't have any experience with the DeWalt, but those Bosch models are fantastic, I own the same set. Be careful not to overthink it!

 

[acer66]

Don`t own a Dewalt but I have 4 different including the first impact version of those 12V Bosch drivers and really like them.

 

[NCCheesehead]

Is that amazon sale still active? I need to pick those up?

 

[Stuey]

For the price you paid, I'd say go with the Bosch. If you have slightly deeper pockets, you can get the Dewalt kit + extra battery. What I like most about Dewalt's is that it can accept 1" bits without the need for an adapter.

 

[Trey T]

I own Milwaukee 18v impact and drill but I would prefer Dewalt 18v nano-phosphate line as their batteries are more superior to any other brands out there.

*Edit: it turns out that ppl are reporting that Dewalt aren't using A123 batteries on their 20V line but only on previous 18v Li-Ion line.

 

[cashishift]

i love my DeWalt 12v MAX impact... then again all my tools are yellow

 

[boiler7904]

I haven't used the DeWalt 12 volt tools but love my Bosch drivers and impact driver. I've also got their mini recip saw. It's great when you have to make a lot of repetitive cuts that are too big for a handsaw but not big enough for a regular recip saw.

Bosch PS-60A Mini Recip Saw

I'm debating if i want to add one of the right angle drill/drivers to my collection.

 

[slik560]

I bought a Dewalt combo deal last night at Westlake Ace Hardware - an 18 volt drill and 18 volt impact driver with two batteries, charger and case for $149. I have yet to use them in battle, but testing the drill, it is as smooth as silk compared to my relatively new 18V Ryobi. I can't wait to try the impact driver - I have to pick up some impact sockets, etc. first! The price seemed too good to pass up. Hope I'm right!!

 

[Sage55]

I've never even thought about Bosch, I've been trying to decide from these two impact drivers, Dewalt or this Makita cordless impact drill.

 

[Stuey]

I've never even thought about Bosch, I've been trying to decide from these two impact drivers, Dewalt or this Makita cordless impact drill.

Those ebay prices are TERRIBLE! That Dewalt is $20 cheaper on Amazon AND eligible for $25 off $100 extra discount.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RT7K4Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And that Makita set is also much cheaper on Amazon, not even including the extra $20 coupon at checkout!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DISXWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LNN2R8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

In any case, the Dewalt 20V impact can accept 1" bits, not sure if that 18V version can.

 

[krnbk2]

I own the PS41 and have beat the snot out of it for the last year or so. its simply fantastic and I haven't found a fastener in my home that that I couldn't drive and/or remove.

For me its Bosch all the way!

 

[JoeR]

those of you with the bosch set, how do you decide which tool to use between the impact driver and drill driver? they are both 1/4" hex head. so couldnt they both pretty much be used for the same thing?

 

[Stuey]

those of you with the bosch set, how do you decide which tool to use between the impact driver and drill driver? they are both 1/4" hex head. so couldnt they both pretty much be used for the same thing?

If I need adjustable clutch, I go with the drill/driver. If I need greater torque for longer or larger fasteners, I go with the impact.

 

[jim2664258]

The Bosch manual actually says not to use the impact as a drill because over time it can damage it. It is meant for higher torque applications. Have no info as to whether it actually can get damaged that way, nor have I come across anyone that's had that happen to them.

 

[ATTappman]

I have both the Bosch and the new Dewalt 12v kits. The battery-on-the-base (Dewalt) vs. the battery-in-the-grip (Bosch) has two implications. The Dewalt can stand upright, and the grip is smaller and more comfortable for average-sized people. The Dewalt has brighter LED lights. The Bosch tools are more compact, and feel generally more solid. The Bosch tools are tanks, the Dewalt tools are fighter jets. Both have good battery life. The runout on a 6-inch bit in the screwdriver or impact is about the same in both brands (and pretty bad if you ask me). The Bosch screwdriver has a more controllable trigger. Fine Woodworking claims the Dewalt drill can drill a deeper hole in a specified time than any other 12v drill.

Anyway Lowes has the 3-piece Dewalt kit (drill, screwdriver, impact) on sale for $199.

You'll be happy with either one, unless you have really small hands, in which case you'll like the Dewalt better.

 

[Craftsman_88]

Never used a 12v Dewalt, but I LOVE my 18v dewalt. Its fantastic and has not let me down. Id recomend dewalt to anyone. Personaly I like the ability to use the drill or impact depending on the situation.

 

[Greatbear]

The Bosch set is awesome. The snub-nose redesign actually lets you stand the tools up on the batteries, and since I have large hands, I like the meatier grip of the battery in the handle. I have some DeWalt 12VMax stuff, including a 3/8" impact wrench, and all of it is great too. In reality you will not get a bad deal with either set, but IMO the Bosch lineup has an edge in construction and technology, especially in the battery management electronics and speed controls.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I've used my DeWalt a ton and have never met a fastener it couldn't handle. Amazing driver!

 

[imom]

Is that amazon sale still active? I need to pick those up?

The $20 off is still active, but don't know when it will end. The prices fluctuate constantly...I almost bought it from Lowes last week, but then amazon matched the price.... last night I saw it for $131 without the coupon and now it's $150+... you will have to just check often to see when the prices changes.

 

[imom]

For the price you paid, I'd say go with the Bosch. If you have slightly deeper pockets, you can get the Dewalt kit + extra battery. What I like most about Dewalt's is that it can accept 1" bits without the need for an adapter.

Stuey,
I think I will go for Dewalt or Makita than... Dewalt looks to have more accessories and the fact you pointed out that it accepts 1" bits will make it wobble less. I saw a video review on Amazon for the Bosch PS21 and it has an insane amount of wobble.


ATTappman,

So is the Dewalt flimsy? You say it's a fighter jet... I do like their impact driver and drill combo better because a drill will have more accessories and accepts normal drill bits.

Thank you all for the feedback...now I request a return and get a Dewalt or Makita.

 

[stickshift]

I bought a Dewalt combo deal last night at Westlake Ace Hardware - an 18 volt drill and 18 volt impact driver with two batteries, charger and case for $149. I have yet to use them in battle, but testing the drill, it is as smooth as silk compared to my relatively new 18V Ryobi. I can't wait to try the impact driver - I have to pick up some impact sockets, etc. first! The price seemed too good to pass up. Hope I'm right!!

That sounds like a great deal.

Is this the set you bought (if so, back up to $200):
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4356201&kw=dewalt&lmdn=Category&searchId=53734016654

Same price at Amazon and HD.

 

[dwm]

I've never met a quick-release hex drill I've liked. There's always some play in the bit holder. Less when new, more when old. If drilling into hard material with small bits, that play often leads to broken bits. Also makes it more difficult to prevent the bit from walking.

I have the Bosch CLPK27-120 combo and really like it, but I didn't buy it for drilling holes, only for driving fasteners.

 

[Stuey]

Stuey,
I think I will go for Dewalt or Makita than... Dewalt looks to have more accessories and the fact you pointed out that it accepts 1" bits will make it wobble less. I saw a video review on Amazon for the Bosch PS21 and it has an insane amount of wobble.


ATTappman,

So is the Dewalt flimsy? You say it's a fighter jet... I do like their impact driver and drill combo better because a drill will have more accessories and accepts normal drill bits.

Thank you all for the feedback...now I request a return and get a Dewalt or Makita.

Sometimes the bits auto-eject, other times they pop out enough to get a good grip on. I'm a huge fan of Dewalt's one-handed 1/4" hex chucks. The only problem I've experienced is when I forgot other drivers don't accept 1" bits. Fishing an insert bit out of a driver or impact driver with magnets and pliers is not a fun activity at all.

Like dwm says, drivers with 1/4" chucks are terrible for drilling, but I've never had an issue using them for that purpose in a pinch. I've even used impact hole saws with great results.

As far as build quality goes, I would put the Dewalt and Bosch on par each other. The Dewalt is slimmer and if I recall correctly a little bit lighter, but I wouldn't ever consider it flimsy.

If I had to offer a quick analogy, I would say that the Bosch PS41 is a burrito, and the Dewalt a fajita combo. In the end you're getting the same food, the same satisfaction, but the package and experience is a bit different. Or 1 lump of meatloaf vs. 2 meat balls.

 

[Greatbear]

I have two PS21s (I could not pass up a deal, I already has the PS21, I wanted the PS41 impactor, and it was only 20 bux more for a combo with the PS21). They will accept the 1" bits with no problem of them falling too far into the chuck, unlike the PS20 before it or lots of other 1/4" hex drivers. This comes at a price, because a standard power bit with the locking groove sits with the groove barely enclosed by the chuck. Play in most of the inserts will allow the locking groove to be exposed if you pull on the driver/bit or use the tool with the nose downward. It's not a huge amount of play, and it is not there when you have force against the fastener pushing the driver/bit into the chuck.

 

[camarotoolman]

ACE has the Dewalt drill, driver, 2 bat and charger on sale @ 150.00. I like the Dewalt cause there is so much out there is easy and cheap to add most different tools and batteries. Down side- batteries ****.

 

[Monte]

That sounds like a great deal.

Is this the set you bought (if so, back up to $200):
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4356201&kw=dewalt&lmdn=Category&searchId=53734016654

Same price at Amazon and HD.

pls buy something with Li-Ion batteries - you will be much happier i think

 

[stickshift]

pls buy something with Li-Ion batteries - you will be much happier i think

Good catch. I had mistakenly assumed these had lithium batteries. Yeah, I would definitely pay more and go with Li-Ion over NiCad.

 

[lwlobo]

Man, I really want a 12V Li-Ion set. I wish I'd have gotten the bosch when it was 109 at amazon.

Now, the difference in price between the Dewalt and Bosch is pretty small, I'd probably go DeWalt. Plus, I think the kit with the drill and impact is more useful than screwdriver and impact. Thoughts?

 

[imom]

lwlobo ... I think a drill and impact will be more useful than screwdriver and impact. The impact is good for removing stubborn screws and the drill is good for clutch control fine precision stuff...plus it will accept standard drill bits...I'm sure it will hold standard bits too on top of that...you can always get an adapter for the hex bits for the drill and it will still hold better than a screwdriver that doesn't have deep holders.... if you look at amazon review for the bosch kit and look at the 3 star video review...it's what help me decide to return it...even though I got a good deal on it...

Thanks for the comments everyone.

 

[Monte]

Man, I really want a 12V Li-Ion set. I wish I'd have gotten the bosch when it was 109 at amazon.

Now, the difference in price between the Dewalt and Bosch is pretty small, I'd probably go DeWalt. Plus, I think the kit with the drill and impact is more useful than screwdriver and impact. Thoughts?

depends on if you want more tools on the long run, maybe a saw, angle driver, metal shear.......

 

[Danglerb]

depends on if you want more tools on the long run, maybe a saw, angle driver, metal shear.......

Thats my view, I'm more concerned about buying into a new battery system, than the variation between most tools.

 

[Monte]

If you feel comfortable with the battery inside the handle i would choose between Bosch or Milwaukee, if you want a slim handle i would wait until Panasonic offers their tools outside of Japan

Hitachi quality is "so-so" and Dewalt only offers a limited amount of tools, i also don´t know if a single speed driver is good. So i would wait if Dewalt will offer more tools and maybe offer a 2-speed driver in the future and if Hitachi upgrade the quality without the flimsy left/right switches and chucks/spindles with axial and radial play...maybe the 2nd generation will be better...

Ridgid ("AEG") only offers 3 tools, they´re big, clumsy and heavy, the circumference of the chuck is huge and overall the least attractive offering.

 

[stickshift]

Does Makita offer a lot of tools within their 10.8/12v lineup? Do you think they will add more?

 

[Monte]

Does Makita offer a lot of tools within their 10.8/12v lineup? Do you think they will add more?

They offer a drill, driver, impact driver, flashlight, vacuum and circular saw as well as 2 garden tools.
The "exclusive" tools are the circular saw and vacuum.
Nobody else has something like that.
I guess Milwaukee and others might add a circular saw one day. I´m not sure about the 10.8 Volt vacuum.... 10,8 Volt garden tools are offered by Metabo too. Most likely they will add some more tools, it will be difficult to find something "exclusive" though since the other companies, especially Milwaukee and Bosch, didn´t sleep as the 10,8 Volt trend started. On the long run they will offer more but it will be difficult to catch up with Milwaukee + Bosch.


Edit: in Japan they already offer a 10,8 V jig saw and recip saw ! So forget what i said

http://www.makita.co.jp/product/li_ion/index108v.html

 

[stickshift]

They offer a drill, driver, impact driver, flashlight, vacuum and circular saw as well as 2 garden tools.
The "exclusive" tools are the circular saw and vacuum.
Nobody else has something like that.
I guess Milwaukee and others might add a circular saw one day. I´m not sure about the 10.8 Volt vacuum.... 10,8 Volt garden tools are offered by Metabo too. Most likely they will add some more tools, it will be difficult to find something "exclusive" though since the other companies, especially Milwaukee and Bosch, didn´t sleep as the 10,8 Volt trend started. On the long run they will offer more but it will be difficult to catch up with Milwaukee + Bosch.


Edit: in Japan they already offer a 10,8 V jig saw and recip saw ! So forget what i said

http://www.makita.co.jp/product/li_ion/index108v.html

Cool, thanks. Looks like the Makita 10.8v won't be a limiting platform to get into.

 

[imom]

I have two PS21s (I could not pass up a deal, I already has the PS21, I wanted the PS41 impactor, and it was only 20 bux more for a combo with the PS21). They will accept the 1" bits with no problem of them falling too far into the chuck, unlike the PS20 before it or lots of other 1/4" hex drivers. This comes at a price, because a standard power bit with the locking groove sits with the groove barely enclosed by the chuck. Play in most of the inserts will allow the locking groove to be exposed if you pull on the driver/bit or use the tool with the nose downward. It's not a huge amount of play, and it is not there when you have force against the fastener pushing the driver/bit into the chuck.

Greatbear... I'm a little confused...Stuey said that Bosch doesn't accept 1" hex bits... and you say that the PS21 and PS41 does?

BTW...so from what I'm researching...Dewalt is the only one that says it accepts a full 1" bits? I think as it should hold the bits more sturdy... so what happens to the regular smaller bits in a Dewalt... does it fall too deep into the hex bit holder of the impact/driver?

 

[Stuey]

Correction: Bosch PS21 CAN accept 1" bits. I assume the PS41 might as well, but cannot find it at the moment. Sorry for the confusion!

Removing them is a little slower than w/ the Dewalt since Dewalt has a spring mechanism release.

Now I'm puzzled. I kow I had big issues recently with 1" bits getting stuck in drill/driver impact drivers, but if it's not the Bosch ones, which ones am I thinking of?

 

[jim2664258]

No issues with any bits in my Bosch PS21/41.

 

[Sage55]

Those ebay prices are TERRIBLE! That Dewalt is $20 cheaper on Amazon AND eligible for $25 off $100 extra discount.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-Bare-Tool-DC825B-18-Volt-Cordless/dp/B002RT7K4Q/

And that Makita set is also much cheaper on Amazon, not even including the extra $20 coupon at checkout!

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-Bare-Tool-BTD141Z-Lithium-Ion-Cordless/dp/B001DISXWU/
http://www.amazon.com/Bare-Tool-Makita-BHP452Z-Lithium-Ion-Driver-Drill/dp/B001LNN2R8/

In any case, the Dewalt 20V impact can accept 1" bits, not sure if that 18V version can.

Good find! I didn't even think about the Amazon coupons going on right now.

I'd also need a battery for this bad boy as well and buying them together looks like it's going to be around $155 from Amazon if I can get this purchased before the 25th. If not I'll just pick it up for $10 more at $165 from the bay, still a good deal imo.

Thanks for the input!